Wish Upon A Star

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I was thrilled to join in on the Wish Upon A Star Blog Hop, sponsored by Carol of Just Let Me Quilt.  The rules are simple enough:  Your project must have a star somewhere on it.  Mine does, and because of indecision it is not a finished quilt but I do have a plan for it.


Happily I am in!  I will be sharing with you my “Sun Star” that I made in a Paula Nadelstern class.   Paula’s last name means Needle-Star and in fact, this is very much what this star is. 


In Paula’s class, she begins by walking you through drafting a star.  I love drafting and don’t do nearly enough of it.  The exercise in understanding how to make your piece is important.  This drawing is part of the piece we used in class that day.

The beauty of this 2 day workshop was learning how to do it, not just making a block.  We would be working with drawing some pieces and understanding the tools she has used over the years.  There is the ruler, small and thin, with one edge a little higher.  Use the lower edge for more precision (WOW! a revelation).  Both her Visigrid* template plastic and the graph paper use 8×8 engineering grid.  It makes it really easy to be precise.  Paula also likes certain pens for marking the template plastic – Faber Castell Multimark 1525 permanent*. This pen is erasable, very helpful as you trace the elements you want to repeat on your fabric.  The silver pen, Uniball*, for marking the fabric works on most colors and is very easy to use. You cut on this line, so you really don’t need to worry.  Paula has used them forever and highly recommends them.  

There is no way to explain all that we did, but here is a link* to her book, where you can learn it all!  This one really walks you through the drafting and is a terrific reference.

 Here’s how the magic happens.  You make this template and mark registration “lines” on it in order to precisely cut out your fabric.  Assembly is honestly pretty easy if you have been at this for awhile.  The fabric must be bilaterally symmetrical in order to make this work.

We had to select the background piece that would make the star sparkle.  Above you see a few tests of fabric.  

And here’s a surprise…my friend and I used the same fabric.  The design looks different because of where we fussy cut our fabric.  It then causes one to choose different backgrounds.  Pretty amazing.

My plan is to make another…. and have a small wall hanging with two of them.  Maybe I should steal my friend’s block.  There are also ways of doing it with fewer pieces (I believe these above square from one of Paula’s quilts is 4 pieces).

Don’t forget to visit some of the other “Star Bloggers”.  Everyone’s interpretation is different – some are quilts, some are blocks – but they are all unique.  And, there is a giveaway.

May 21

Moose Stash Quilting

Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats

Quilt In A Not-Shell

What About Rheema?

Clever Chameleon Quilting

Sunlight in Winter Quilts

Life in the Scrapatch

Sew Many Yarns

Hazel’s Daughter

May 22

Want To Be Quilter

Cynthia’s Creating Ark

Selina Quilts

Ridge Top Quilt

Creative Blonde

Days Filled With Joy

Seams To Be Sew

Lily Patch Quilts

Why-Knot-Kwilt

May 23 – Today

Marjorie’s Busy Corner

Quilt Doodle Designs

Adventurous Applique and Quilting

Vroomans Quilts

Peanut’s Patchwork

Ms P Designs USA

The Little Mushroom Cap

Stitchin At Home

That Fabric Feeling

May 24

Kathy’s Quilts

It’s A T-Sweet Day!

Freckled Fox Quiltery

Elizabeth Coughlin Designs

Melva Loves Scraps

Beaquilter

Quilting Nonnie

Den syende himmel

All Thingz Sewn

May 25

Creatin’ in the Sticks

For the love of geese

Words & Stitches

Quarter Inch Crafter

Quilt Fabrication

Home Sewn By Us

Kathleen McMusing  <—you are here

Just Let Me Quilt


GIVEAWAY

Happy piecing,

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72 Comments

  1. GranChris
    May 25, 2018 / 5:12 AM

    Wow, very amazing. I will need to find my old kaleidoscope toy.

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:10 PM

      So glad it is motivating you to find your toy!

  2. Kristyn
    May 25, 2018 / 9:36 AM

    That is amazing!

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:10 PM

      Thank you, Kristyn.

  3. Marjorie's Busy Corner
    May 25, 2018 / 11:10 AM

    Very neat piece

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:12 PM

      Thank you, Marjorie.

  4. Stitchin At Home
    May 25, 2018 / 11:14 AM

    Very interesting piece. A wall hanging would look great.

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:13 PM

      I am anxious to get back to it.

  5. Home Sewn By Us
    May 25, 2018 / 11:22 AM

    Good Morning Kathleen,WOW – that looks like a great two-day class to take, giving you the background on how the block is made/constructed by drafting it! How intricate and I cannot believe you and your friend started out with the same fabric. Could those two blocks possibly look any different yet have something in common?! Fascinating and I cannot wait to see how this comes together when it grows up! Happy Friday! ~smile~ Roseanne

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:15 PM

      Thanks, Roseanne. It is really so different and so amazing. I am sure the one I make next will look different too. Sorry for the late response, seems like Blogger isn't sending me email notifications on my blog – great day to pick!

  6. Dorian
    May 25, 2018 / 11:28 AM

    Thats an interesting star. Glad you had a good time in your class.

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:16 PM

      Thanks, Dorian.

  7. Elizabeth Coughlin
    May 25, 2018 / 11:32 AM

    Such an intricate looking result! Thanks for sharing.

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:50 PM

      My pleasure, Elizabeth.

  8. Carol S.
    May 25, 2018 / 1:10 PM

    It looks like an amazing class to have taken because those stars are gorgeous! The details in the star are so intricate. This will make a beautiful wall hanging! Thank you, Kathleen, for joining in the blog hop and sharing your shining star with us. My day is brighter because of you! :O)

    • Kathleen
      May 25, 2018 / 8:54 PM

      Thank you, Carol. I loved the class and if you ever get to take her – do. I am glad it brightened your day!

  9. Carol
    May 25, 2018 / 1:14 PM

    Wow, awesome stars! Not sure I would want to tackle something that complicated, but I admire anyone who does. Thanks for sharing about the class and your amazing end result!

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 3:04 PM

      Thanks, Carol. I love having these techniques available, for whenever I might need them. It really is simpler than it looks!

  10. Denise @fortheloveofgeese
    May 25, 2018 / 1:17 PM

    Those are beautiful, I made a note of the book.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 3:05 PM

      Thanks, Denise. It really does explain it all.

  11. LJ
    May 25, 2018 / 1:35 PM

    WOW. I admire Paula's quilts/technique and am pleased to know that you (and others) are following in her footsteps. Sweet.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 3:09 PM

      It is a great technique. I don't ever see a large quilt in my future like that, but I do enjoy making the blocks and watching the magic.

  12. Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
    May 25, 2018 / 1:39 PM

    It sounds like a really great workshop and I look forward to seeing another star and how you finish the project.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 3:26 PM

      It really was, definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I hope to get back to it late this summer.

  13. Sherry
    May 25, 2018 / 2:00 PM

    WOW! That star is amazing! Great work. So glad you joined the hop.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 3:27 PM

      Thanks, Sherry. I am glad I did too.

  14. Susan-Sharon Passmore
    May 25, 2018 / 2:07 PM

    I've always admired these stars! Sounds like you had a great time at the work shop too. Happy quilting!

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 3:32 PM

      Her stars are amazing aren't they? This is a little less busy than some of her kaleidoscope, but fun to do, and it is a star – what could be better.

  15. Lori
    May 25, 2018 / 2:24 PM

    wow, gorgeous. I have a book that shows this technique. I think I need to get it out. thanks for the inspiration

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 4:04 PM

      Definitely dig it up. Its a great technique.

  16. Carla
    May 25, 2018 / 3:16 PM

    Kathleen, thank you for sharing this. It looks like something I would love to explore. Beautiful star block and great information!

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 4:05 PM

      Thanks, Carla. I enjoyed sharing it.

  17. Tu-Na Quilts
    May 25, 2018 / 3:55 PM

    Very interesting!! I've been amazed with those kaleidoscope blocks. Now you've taken some of the mystery out of them. They still look complicated though. Even just your one star would make a great mini wall quilt.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 4:07 PM

      Yes, I agree, it would be a lovely mini! You would be surprised how uncomplicated it is. The prep takes much longer than the sewing.

  18. Calicojoan
    May 25, 2018 / 4:09 PM

    Now that is just too cool.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 4:08 PM

      Thanks, Joan. I loved the way they worked up.

  19. Linda
    May 25, 2018 / 4:10 PM

    Hi,the Kaleidoscope Blocks are so neat! Haven't tried them yet>your post will helpme get going! Thanks for sharing! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:46 PM

      I am so glad it will help you. Its a fun technique.

  20. Siouxzq64@gmail.com
    May 25, 2018 / 4:30 PM

    Oh that is going to be gorgeous when you are done.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:48 PM

      Thank you! I do love it!

  21. barbara woods
    May 25, 2018 / 5:03 PM

    WOW great stars

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:50 PM

      Thanks.

  22. Sandra Healy Designs
    May 25, 2018 / 7:48 PM

    My goodness, it's amazing to see two such very different stars from the same fabric. I'm looking forward to seeing your third block.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:50 PM

      I look forward to watching the magic again!

  23. Needled Mom
    May 25, 2018 / 8:09 PM

    Wow….that makes a great star. It looks so involved.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:52 PM

      It is much easier than you think!

  24. allthingzsewn
    May 25, 2018 / 8:24 PM

    Too many points for me to tackle. Finished up to a nice block. I thought it looked good with the red back ground too.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:53 PM

      I was honestly surprised how quickly it went together. A light box would help, too, which we didn't use in class. I liked the red, too, so it might go with the next one.

  25. Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
    May 25, 2018 / 9:22 PM

    I love both finished blocks! Which is yours and which is your friends? Very pretty!

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:55 PM

      Mine was the one on the left. I can't wait to have time to make another.

  26. tink's mom
    May 25, 2018 / 11:07 PM

    What a fun and informative stop on this Hop. Love both the blocks and the background, thanks.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:56 PM

      Thank you for saying so. I always like for my readers to learn a little something.

  27. Kathy H
    May 25, 2018 / 11:20 PM

    What a beautiful block. It looks so complicated. Thanks for the suggestions of markers to use. I am always looking for tools to make quilting easier.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:57 PM

      It is always great to know the different markers quilters use. I could call myself a hoarder in that department!

  28. piecefulwendy
    May 25, 2018 / 11:22 PM

    So cool that you both used the same fabric, but had such different results! It looks like an interesting, fun process. I'm tempted to get the book. I used to use a ruler like that and loved it; it disappeared, so I assume someone else must've loved it too! Ha!

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 6:59 PM

      I know! It is just amazing to me how different the results are. The book is terrific and there are more options – so many blocks, so little time. Sorry your ruler went missing. We all started with those.

  29. anna brown
    May 25, 2018 / 11:59 PM

    Wow great star very eye catching ty for sharing…. happyness04431@yahoo.com

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 7:00 PM

      Thanks, Anna.

  30. Susan
    May 26, 2018 / 1:19 AM

    I've always loved her quilts without wanting to actually make one. Your block and your friends are each stunning. I hope you get the second one made and a little hanging to remind you of your great class experience with her. Thanks for sharing so much of the process you went through.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 7:02 PM

      I will get it done one day….I am thinking when the summer winds down it will bubble back up to the top!

  31. OhioLori
    May 26, 2018 / 2:56 AM

    Loooove the Blocks you & your Friend made..they are Gorgeous..and they do look different..but blend beautifully! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 7:03 PM

      Aren't they fun! I am anxious to see my next one – but it will be awhile.

  32. Anita
    May 26, 2018 / 3:16 AM

    I love your star, and your friend's!

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 7:05 PM

      Thank you, Anita, and thanks for commenting!

  33. Lisa J.
    May 26, 2018 / 11:14 AM

    Both of these stars are gorgeous Kathleen. It's interesting how the different fabrics make the stars look so different from each other. Thanks for sharing so many details of this interesting project.

    • Kathleen
      May 26, 2018 / 7:05 PM

      You are so welcome, Lisa. It was my pleasure.

  34. Corrie
    May 29, 2018 / 3:32 AM

    Absolutely amazing!

    • Kathleen
      June 1, 2018 / 12:34 AM

      Thank you, Corrie

  35. Susan
    May 29, 2018 / 5:13 PM

    Wow! Those are awesome! I have this type of star on my to-do list – I've been saving fabric for it!

    • Kathleen
      June 1, 2018 / 12:34 AM

      That is terrific! You will so enjoy it.

  36. Cheryl
    May 29, 2018 / 8:43 PM

    Your star blocks are amazing!

    • Kathleen
      June 1, 2018 / 12:35 AM

      Thanks, Cheryl. I loved doing it.

My Favorite Tools

Pins with Numbers & Arrows
Annies Soft and Stable Foam Stabilizer
By Annie’s Clear Vinyl
Heat N Bond Iron On Vinyl
Omni Thread, Purplelicious
Aurifil 50 weight thread
Hobbs Tuscanny Wool Batting
Freezer Paper Sheets
Binding Sasher
Nexcare Clear Skin Tape
Cluck Cluck Sew Tape
Simple Folded Corners Ruler
Free Motion Quilting Workbook
Shape by Shape Collection 2
Shape by Shape
DayLight Wafer 1 Light Box
Freezer paper
Siteground Web Hosting
Dream Cotton Batting
Sidekick Ruler
Hex N More Ruler
4″ Circular Plastic Needlepoint
Awesome Ocean Pattern
Schmetz NonStick Needle
Sulky Totally Stable
Barn Quilt by Sherry Shish
PrintNFuse
Applique Pressing Sheet
Mary Ellen’s Best Press Starch
Clover Bias Tape Maker 12mm
Woven Diamonds Pattern
Hobbs Premium 80/20 Batting
Woven Star Pattern
Wefty Needle
Quilt Hanger
Fat Quarter Shop
Accuquilts
Westalee Sampler Template Set
Mettler 60 wt. Cotton Embroidery Thread
Sandboard for Hand Sewing/Appliqué
Clover Needle Threader
Sewline Black and White Pencil
Sewline Grey Pencil
Backyard Birds
Wing Clipper
Quilt Pounce
Hobbs Thermore Batting
Clover Chaco Liner – silver
Turnabout Patchwork by Terese Mairal Barreau
Sewline Glue Pen
Fusible 1″ Hexagon Paper
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Electric Quilt 8
Quilter’s Dream Select Batting
Quilt in A Day Log Cabin
Judy Martin Log Cabin
Emiko Toda Loeb
3M Command Strip Clothespins
Paper Templates for Lucy Boston
Lucy Boston Templates,MPP
Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Cross
Clover Wonder Clips
Thread magic
Clearly Perfect Angles
Spritzer
Slotted Triangle Trimmer
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